Nairobi Western Bypass now 24.5 percent complete

The upgrade of the 16.8 kilometer Nairobi Western Bypass is now 24.5 percent complete.

The bypass will have a four lane expressway and seven interchanges at Lower Kabete, Gitaru, Ndenderu, Ruaka, Wanginge, Rumingi and Kihara.

Five Box Culverts and Underpasses have been completed, while construction is ongoing for additional underpasses.

The 168 million dollar project funded by the China Exim Bank and the Kenyan Government is the fourth and final ring of the Nairobi Ring Roads.

The slow pace within road reserves for relocation of existing power lines has slowed works pushing construction behind schedule.

However, the National Lands Commission has gazetted acquisition of additional land for the project with the commission noting that the land acquisition process is underway.

Upon completion, the Western Bypass features eleven traffic bridges and pedestrian underpasses on the entire stretch.

Pedestrian barriers are also being installed to ensure that no pedestrian crossings occur at the non-authorized areas, apart from those provided for facilities such as footpaths and underpasses.

Unlike many roads in the country, cycle tracks and footpaths will provide an enhanced safety feature to ensure no direct conflict between motorized traffic and road users.

China Road and Bridge Corporation were tasked to undertake the project in a period of 39 months.

Upon completion, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi power economic growth, improve safety for pedestrians and other non-motorized road users and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

The project which has a current workforce of over 1,500 personnel.

With the projected increase in traffic after completion of the Nairobi Western Bypass, calls have emerged to plan for proper waste disposal, improve sewerage facilities and upgrade the structures to accommodate the anticipated demand.